Planning and use of your winch – Rugged Ridge 3,000 Pound Heavy Duty Winch, ATV/UTV User Manual

Page 15

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Secure cable attachment requires at least five (5) wraps

on Spool. Do not extend red painted cable. Secure synthetic rope
attachment requires a full layer on the spool. DO NOT EXCEED RATED
PULL LESS SAFETY MARGIN.

Read and understand all instructions and related Warnings, Cautions

& Notices before attempting to install or use your Rugged Ridge

®

winch.

ATV/UTV to Vehicle winching not recommended as it may exceed

capacity of winch, mounting or cable. Do not drive vehicle while winching. Avoid
slack cable or shock loads to reduce risk of failure. Maintain steady tension
through winch and block vehicle at safe intervals. Winch not intended to tow
vehicles or secure loads. Never use recovery strap as part of winch operation.
Stretch/stored energy in recovery strap may create shock load.

WARNING

1.

Ensure ATV/UTV, slope and conditions do not approach maximum rated pull.

Leave a safety margin. Winch provides greater mechanical advantage when cable
is fully extended. Plan pull using as much cable as practical. Double line using
snatch block is preferred.

2.

Plan and center anchor and snatch blocks or rigging so cable pulls straight to

winch. Confirm anchor point will support load with adequate safety margin. Where
anchor is tree use trunk protector and shackle rated at least double maximum
winch pull. Where anchor is vehicle, (see below) fully engage cable hook through
towing eye or shackle rated at least double maximum winch pull. Attach to vehicle
frame not bumper or winch mount.

3.

Extend cable manually by disengaging clutch to free spool. Confirm cable

hook fully engages anchor, strap or shackle. Do not fix hook back around cable
to avoid damage. Confirm power switch on Control Handle is “OFF” and attach
remote. Fully engage clutch before powering spool. Keep vehicle motor running to
avoid battery drain.

Always keep hands, body and clothing clear of cable, hook and
fairlead during operation and spooling.

Reduce risk of cable-related injury by clearing persons and establishing
safe zone equal to at least 1.5 times length of cable. Keep operator away
from cable and line of pull. Operator should be at right angle to cable and
protected by vehicle where possible. Confirm anyone assisting understands
recovery plan and safety precautions.

Always wear gloves and use supplied hook strap when handling
cable;
never touch cable under tension. Never work under or over cable under
tension.

Use Rugged Ridge

®

dampener or substitute (heavy blanket)

over cable mid-point to dampen energy in event cable fails. Slack
cable before moving blanket or dampener.

WARNING

Planning and Use of Your Winch

WARNING

WARNING

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